Chronicles reporting on the graduation of each class were printed in purple . . . totally . . . until 1964. Oh, well.

We saw our first purple Chronicle in May 1961. The issue’s focus, understandably, was on the Class of 1961, which received diplomas in ceremonies June 14, on school grounds. But page three, the traditional sports page, carried news that the Purple Panthers, led by classmate John Collins, had swept the city and Western Mass. track championships. John, perhaps known as “the blur” based on this photo, took first in the 100-yard dash and second in the 220.

This season was also the first in which CHS was undefeated in track.

Page three also announced that three frosh — Holly Donohue, Maureen Lyons, and Kathleen Modry — had been selected to replace departing seniors on the CHS cheerleading squad.

Here’s the June 19, 1961, Chronicle